As New School Year Approaches, Students Ponder What's To Come.

HIGH SCHOOLS - NEXT GENERATION

School is almost here again and expectations are running high across Broward County.

Most freshmen know they could have a rough ride after going from being the oldest to the youngest in the school. They also know they'll have to deal with the taunts and pranks of upperclassmen.

"I am scared of always getting picked on because my sister is going to be a junior and all of her friends pick on me," said Rebecca Tuttle, a freshman at South Broward High.

Still, the thrill of actually making it to high school usually cancels out the fears of the ninth-graders-to-be.

"With the exception of my sister's friends, I think the next four years are going to be really fun," Tuttle said.

Sophomores can look forward to passing all of the upperclassmen abuse to the new freshman. For many of last year's freshmen, the year was terrible.

However, there were a few exceptions.

"I liked being a freshman because I finally got out of middle school," said Hallandale High School student Matt Lanzilotta. "My freshman year was great, and I hope my sophomore year is even better."

For juniors, there's not much change, except for a few pluses - like getting class rings. Many juniors will also show early symptoms of a well-known disease called senioritis. For others, it is a new beginning.

For example, magnet students at Boyd Anderson High start the International Baccalaureate program, a rigorous college preporatory program, in the 11th grade.

"I don't want to be a junior! I will have so much work to do. I may have to move into the library," said Heather Babb, a junior in the program.

The class of '96 will most likely have the most expectations of all, not to mention the most excitement with events like Grad Nite, prom, and the anticipation of graduation and college.

"I want to go to college, right now," said Fort Lauderdale High senior Jennifer Gavin, who has already been hit by senioritis. "I just want to keep my grades up and get through the year as quickly as possible."